Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Formerly Hotel Indigo, the Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel now presides under the Marriott flagship. The facade is nondescript and concrete, but, inside, the lobby is spacious, colorful, and airy. The reception desk incorporates marble countertops with brown and indigo desks, made to look like reclaimed wood and backed with soft purple lighting. The lobby is broken up into different seating areas that include woven 1960s bucket seats, slate-gray couches facing TVs, classic wood chairs with purple cushioning, and more. There's also a business center with two computers, a printer, and a long desk with built-in outlets for those working from laptops. Thanks to a number of windows, the ground floor gets plenty of light, which allows the bright blues and purple colors to pop off darker, gray- and black-hued furnishings. 

Overall, the Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, uses color as a way of detailing and individuating the hotel. Contrasting solid-colored walls with flower patterns of the same color is a unique chromatic touch, as is the blue-painted glass in the elevator. These are small design choices that make the Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans modern and memorable.

Thanks to its quieter Garden District location, the hotel primarily attracts families and couples who want easy access to the attractions of the French Quarter without being in the midst of them.

The Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans is located in the Garden District of New Orleans. A historic part of town named for its once-sprawling houses, the area is more subdued than the French Quarter, while still being close to shops and restaurants. The hotel is on St. Charles Avenue, a busy main drag with a convenient streetcar running along it. This public transportation takes passengers around town to sites such as the French Quarter, the Zoo, and Tulane University. There's a decent amount of parking in the neighborhood, or valet parking at the hotel for a daily fee.

The rooms at the Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans are well-designed and surprisingly large. Again, the hotel uses details to make its spaces special. Large, colorful murals above the beds energize the rooms and make them distinct, while the white bedspreads illuminate the space against the dark doors and floors. Incorporating wood floors and rugs by the bed is a homey touch uncommon to chain hotels, which often have wall-to-wall carpeting. The modern gray wood desk and pops of color in armchairs and rugs add to the quirky, natural vibe. Bathrooms are notably large, with marble countertops, large showers, and Aveda bath products. The Standard Double or King Rooms are spacious, but the King Executive Suite offers a separate seating area. The Queen Suite is grand, with a separate living room and large bedroom that fits two queen beds footed with long leather ottomans and two indigo-colored reading chairs. As the hotel is located off St. Charles Avenue, street-facing rooms on lower floors may pick up some noise from the block.

Hotel Tonnelle New Orleans has a 24-fitness center; while not overly large, it has a good range of modern machines and weights. The hotel also offers access to a more extensive off-site gym for a discounted rate. The Babin's Bistro & Bar has a simple, but well-regarded menu, and includes a nice outdoor patio for sipping drinks and watching the traffic. There's a small business center in the lobby, meeting space for events, and free Internet throughout the hotel.